Prairie Paddling

Sometimes I foget we live in Alberta, sometimes... not so much. There's a first time for everything and canoeing in the prairies along the Milk River was definitely a novelty!

Blatant reminder that we live in Alberta. Makes for good photos though.

Before we set out on the mighty Milk, we spent the day exploring Writing on Stone Provincial Park.

Hoodoo-the-voodoo-that-you-doo?

On Sunday morning we launched from a farmer's field into the "less that swimable" Milk River.

Pretty cool scenery along the way. The banks at some points were pretty impressive.

We ended up flying along the river and were at out desired campsite by lunch. We decided to keep going and ended up paddling the entire strech of river in one day.

Wildlife?

This one's for you dad.

After a along day on the river, we waited for the sun to set over Writing on Stone.

Interesting spot. Can't wait for the snow to melt in the mountains...

Lake Ohara - Winter Edition

Even though ski season was coming quickly to an end, we had to make it out for one last (in Paddy and my case) and one first (in Heady and Jill's case) trip into the backcounty. Jack got some quality time with the grandparents... only one phone call too!

The start of a very long slog...

They're keepers... Pretty special ladies.

Getting down with our bad selves.

The totally exhaustion was hidden behind the big smile! I have to say 12 kms is a pretty big day for your first.

Finally arrived at the lake. In typical style, I wondered out onto the ice, Heather and Jill thought I was going to fall through and die, Paddy ate a meatstick.

The hut was so close...

Finally arrived!

I'm pretty sure they were discussing how fantastic their husbands are.

The Elizabeth Parker Hut is one of the nicest I've stayed in. Quite rustic but with all the ammenities of an ACC cabin.

4.5 hrs in, 1.5 out. Great end to the ski season. Thanks for the good times...

May Transition

The long week of school finally ended... Got Storky out for his first tour of the year, convinced Lenz that lifts are for teenagers and drove up the Icefields to Cirque Peak. We were in for a great day.

Meadows just before Helen Lake after a wee bit of climbing from the parking lot.

Storky staring down the ridge to Cirque Peak.

May?

Back in his element.

Lenz with Dolomite in the background.

We hugged the scree pretty tightly on the ascent up the ridge to avoid the scary cornice. The snow was only a few inches deep in most spots - no slides!

The well deserved rest at the summit.

Notice the lack of skis, had to bootpack to the summit - yeah transition season!

Hugged the scree on the way down too.

Last few turns down the ridge.

We did manage to get some fantastic turns down the headwall back to Helen Lake.

Descent back into the valley to end the day.